Sliding nozzle apparatus

ABSTRACT

A sliding nozzle apparatus includes a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections provided on respective sides of opposed long edges of a fixed metal frame in an openable and closable manner. The sliding nozzle apparatus also includes: a pair of shafts each integrated with one of the retaining sections and each rotatably supported on a corresponding one of the sides of the opposed long edges of the metal frame; first and second link members provided, respectively, at one end of the shafts of the sliding metal frame retaining sections; and a link element coupling the first and second link members together, such that, when one of the retaining sections is manually opened or closed, the shaft of the other retaining section is reversely rotated to cause the other retaining section to be simultaneously opened or closed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sliding nozzle apparatus used for controlling the flow rate of molten metal, and more particularly to a sliding nozzle apparatus comprising a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections provided on respective sides of opposed long edges of a fixed metal frame in an openable and closable manner.

BACKGROUND ART

A sliding nozzle apparatus is attached to, e.g., a molten steel outlet of a ladle, wherein it is configured such that, in a state in which two, upper and lower, refractory plates each having a respective one of two nozzle hole portions are superimposed on each other, with a surface pressure being loaded therebetween, the lower plate is linearly slid with respect to the upper plate to change the degree of opening between the nozzle hole portions, thereby controlling the flow rate of molten steel (molten metal).

Generally, this type of sliding nozzle apparatus comprises: a fixed metal frame which holds an upper plate; a sliding metal frame which holds a lower plate and is configured to be linearly slid so as to slidingly move the lower plate with respect to the upper plate; a sliding metal frame retaining section which slidably retains the sliding metal frame; an elastic body which loads a surface pressure between the upper and lower plates; and a driving apparatus configured to drive the sliding metal frame.

Although the sliding metal plate retaining section is generally formed of a single body, there is another type formed of two divided bodies for the purpose of downsizing. For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a pair of opening and closing metal frames (sliding metal frame retaining sections) 40 are provided symmetrically with respect to a sliding-directional axis of a sliding metal frame 30, and attached to a fixed metal frame 20, individually, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Each of the sliding metal frame retaining sections 40 comprises a portal arm 41, a spring box 42, a surface pressure guide 48, and a slide member 46. More specifically, a base end of the portal arm 41 is swingably attached to a pin 22 provided in the fixed metal frame 20, and the spring box 42 is disposed between two arms 41 a of the portal arm 41, and integrally provided with the surface pressure guide 48.

This sliding nozzle apparatus requires the work of opening each of the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections outwardly, and then closing it, during plate replacement.

However, in a case where, during the plate replacement, the sliding nozzle apparatus is placed in a horizontal posture in a manner allowing the pair of sliding metal plate retaining sections to be arranged one-above-the-other, and then each of the sliding metal plate retaining sections is opened, an upper one of the sliding metal plate retaining sections needs to be opened against its own weight (gravitational force). This places a burden on a worker. Further, even if the upper sliding metal plate retaining section is successfully opened, it is likely to be swung to its original closed position by the own weight. Further, a lower one of the sliding metal plate retaining sections is likely to be automatically swung and opened by its own weight. This is undesirable for safety reasons. Moreover, the work of closing the lower sliding metal plate retaining section needs to be carried out against the own weight. This places a burden on a worker. This work also involves a problem that the lower sliding metal plate retaining section is likely to be returned to its open position by the own weight. In order to avoid such swinging movements of the sliding metal plate retaining sections due to their own weights, each of the sliding metal plate retaining sections has to be fixed by using a hook or the like, leading to a problem of an increase in time and effort for the plate replacement work.

CITATION LIST Parent Document

Patent Document 1: JP 2014-208380A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sliding nozzle apparatus comprising a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections provided on respective sides of opposed long edges of a fixed metal frame in an openable and closable manner, wherein the sliding nozzle apparatus is capable of allowing the sliding metal frame retaining sections to be simultaneously opened and closed by a simple manipulation.

Solution to Technical Problem

The present invention provides a sliding nozzle apparatus having features described in the following sections (1) to (8).

(1)

A sliding nozzle apparatus comprising a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections provided on respective sides of opposed long edges of a fixed metal frame in an openable and closable manner, wherein the sliding nozzle apparatus further comprises: a pair of shafts each integrated with a corresponding one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections and each rotatably supported on a respective one of the sides of the opposed long edges of the fixed metal frame; a first link member and a second link member provided, respectively, at one ends of the shafts of the sliding metal frame retaining sections; and link means coupling the first and second link members together, such that, when one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections is manually opened or closed, the shaft of the other sliding metal frame retaining section is reversely rotated to cause the other sliding metal frame retaining section to be simultaneously opened or closed.

(2)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in the section (1), wherein each of the first and second link members has a coupling portion at a position eccentric with respect to a central axis of the shaft thereof, wherein the link means comprises a link bar whose opposite ends are pivotally coupled, respectively, to the coupling portions of the first and second link members, such that the link bar intersects with a line connecting the central axes of the shafts.

(3)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in the section (2), wherein, in a state in which the sliding metal frame retaining sections are fully closed, the first link member and the second link member are, in vertical cross-section, at point-symmetric positions with respect to a center defined by a midpoint of the line connecting the central axes of the shafts, and wherein the link bar is formed as a single piece to directly couple the coupling portions together.

(4)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in the section (2), wherein the link bar is composed of a first link bar and a second link bar whose one ends are coupled, respectively, to the first link member and the second link member, and wherein the link means further comprises a first gear and a second gear provided on the fixed metal frame and meshed with each other, wherein the other ends of the first and second link bars are pivotally attached, respectively, to the first and second gears in an eccentric manner.

(5)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in any one of the sections (2) to (4), which is configured such that a coupling position between the first or second link member and the link bar is adjustable.

(6)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in any one of the sections (2) to (4), which is configured such that a length of the link means to couple the first and second link members together is adjustable.

(7)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in any one of the sections (1) to (6), which is used under a condition that, during plate replacement, the sliding metal frame retaining sections are arranged one-above-the other.

(8)

The sliding nozzle apparatus as described in the section (7), wherein the sliding metal frame retaining sections have different weights.

Effect of Invention

In the present invention, when manually opening/closing the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections, only one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections can be opened/closed to cause the other sliding metal frame retaining section to be opened/closed interlockingly, so that it is possible to simultaneously open/close the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections by a simple manipulation. This makes it possible to simplify the work of opening and closing the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections to improve work efficiency.

Further, even when the sliding nozzle apparatus is used under the condition that, during plate replacement, the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections are arranged one-above-the other, the work of opening and closing the upper and lower sliding metal frame retaining sections can be carried out in a labor-saving manner. Further, the upper and lower sliding metal frame retaining sections are interlockingly opened and closed in any state, so that it is possible to simplify the work to improve work efficiency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sliding nozzle apparatus according a first embodiment of the present invention (in a state in which a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections are opened).

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing portal arms and shafts of the sliding metal frame retaining sections in the sliding nozzle apparatus according the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the sliding nozzle apparatus according the first embodiment (in a state in which the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections are closed).

FIG. 4 is a side view of the sliding nozzle apparatus according the first embodiment (in the state in which the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections are opened).

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagram of a first link member in the sliding nozzle apparatus according the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a sliding nozzle apparatus according a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sliding nozzle apparatus according a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a sliding nozzle apparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 1 (which corresponds to FIG. 2 in the Patent Document 1).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sliding nozzle apparatus disclosed in the Patent Document 1 (which corresponds to FIG. 1 in the Patent Document 1).

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, the present invention will now be described based on some preferred embodiments thereof.

First Embodiment

The first embodiment is one example where the present invention is applied to the sliding nozzle apparatus disclosed in the Parent Document 1 (as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of this application) as a basic conventional structure. In the conventional structure, each of a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections has been pivotally supported by a pin 22. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, instead of the pin, a shaft 5 a is integrated with a lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a, and is rotatably supported by two shaft supporting portions 6 of a fixed metal frame 2. Specifically, this shaft 5 a is integrated with a portal arm 41 a of the lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a by two screws 61. Further, a first link member 7 a is provided at one end of the shaft 5 a.

Similarly, a shaft 5 b is integrated with an upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b, and a second link member 7 b is provided at one end of the shaft 5 b.

Specifically, each of the first link member 7 a and the second link member 7 a is formed in a disc shape, and attached to a corresponding one of the one ends to the shafts 5 a, 5 b. Further, each of a pair of pins 71 a, 71 b is provided on a respective one of the first and second link members 7 a, 7 b to protrude outwardly, at a position eccentric with respect to a central axis of the corresponding shaft, to serve as a coupling portion. A single-piece link bar 10 serving as link means is provided such that opposite ends thereof are pivotally attached, respectively, to the pins 71 a, 71 b. In this state, the link bar 10 intersects with a straight line connecting the central axes of the shafts 5 a, 5 b, wherein a distance between the center of the shaft 5 a and the pin 71 a is equal to a distance between the center of the shaft 5 b and the pin 71 b.

As shown in FIG. 3, in a state in which the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are fully closed, the pin 71 a of the first link member 7 a is located at the 9 o'clock position, and the pin 71 b of the second link member 7 b is located at the 3 o'clock position. These lower and upper link members (the pins 71 a, 71 b) are, in vertical cross-section, at point-symmetric positions with respect to the midpoint of the straight line connecting the central axes of the shafts 5 a, 5 b.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a mechanism for adjusting a coupling position between the coupling portion (pin 71 a) of the first link member 7 a and the link bar 10. The link bar 10 is formed with an elongate hole 10 a, and a screw 10 b is screwed from a distal edge face of the link bar 10 into the link bar 10 such that a distal end 10 b-1 of the screw 10 b protrudes inside the elongate hole 10 a. The distal end 10 b-1 of the screw 10 b is formed in an angular C shape to fittingly receive the pin 71 a in the angular C-shaped groove. That is, the coupling position between the pin 72 a and the link bar 10 can be changed by moving the screw 10 b forwardly and backwardly, so that it is possible to adjust a coupling length between the first link member 7 a (pin 71 a) and the second link member 7 b (pin 71 b).

Next, a mechanism for n opening and closing the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b in this embodiment will be described. In FIG. 3, when the upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b is opened, the second link member 7 b provided on the shaft 5 b is rotated in the arrowed direction (clockwise direction), and, accordingly, the first link member 7 a is rotated in the opposite arrowed direction (counterclockwise direction). Thus, the lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a can be simultaneously opened in an interlocking manner (as shown in the state in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, in the work of closing the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b, when the upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b is closed, the first link member 7 a is rotated in a direction opposite to that of the second link member 7 b. Thus, the lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a can be simultaneously closed in an interlocking manner. After closing the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b, a stopper pin is inserted into a through-hole extending from the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b to the fixed metal frame, to confirm that the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are completely closed.

In the first embodiment, each of the shafts 5 a, 5 b of the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b is rotatably supported with respect to the fixed metal frame 2, so that the one ends of the shafts 5 a, 5 b can be coupled by a link mechanism (link means) such that the shafts 5 a, 5 b are rotated, respectively, in opposite directions. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the link mechanism can be provided on only one side of opposed short edges of the fixed metal frame 2. The sliding nozzle apparatus is equipped with a mechanism for opening and closing a sliding metal frame 3 for the purpose of plate replacement work, and a mechanism for driving the sliding metal frame 3 by a driving device. In the first embodiment, the link mechanism can be provided on only one side of the opposed short edges of the fixed metal frame 2, so that it is free from exerting an influence on movements of these mechanisms.

In the first embodiment, the link bar 10 couples the coupling portion 71 a of the first link member 7 a and the coupling portion 71 b of the second link member 7 b together, such that the link bar 10 intersects with the straight line connecting the central axes of the shafts 5 a, 5 b, whereby the first and second link members have a relationship in which they are rotated, respectively, in opposite directions. This makes it possible to narrow the range of movement of the link mechanism. In the first embodiment, the disc-shaped link members 7 a, 7 b are provided, respectively, on the one ends of the shafts 5 a, 5 b. Alternatively, each of the link members may be formed in any other suitable shape other than a disc shape, such as a rod or bar shape, or a plate shape.

In the first embodiment, when the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are fully closed, the first link member 7 a and the second link member 7 b are, in vertical cross-section, at point-symmetric positions with respect to a center defined by the midpoint of the straight line connecting the central axes of the shafts 71 a, 71 b. Thus, even when the pins 71 a, 71 b are coupled together by the single-piece link bar 10, the first link member 7 a and the second link member 7 b can be approximately synchronously rotated, respectively, in opposite directions. This makes it possible to structurally simplify the link mechanism, thereby providing excellent maintainability, and allowing the sliding nozzle apparatus to be downsized. Further, the coupling length between the first link member 7 a and the second link member 7 b can be finely adjusted by using the screw 10 b associated with the elongate hole 10 a of the link bar 10, so that it is possible to completely close the pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b without any deviation in synchronization.

In the first embodiment, the lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a and the upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b have approximately the same weight, and are eccentrically fixed, respectively, to the shafts 5 a, 5 b. Thus, during the opening work, the lower sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a is swung downwardly by the action of its own weight (gravitational force), so that the work of opening the upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b requires almost no manipulation force.

On the other hand, when closing the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b, the upper sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b is swung in a closing direction (downwardly) by the action of its own weight (gravitational force), so that this closing work also requires almost no manipulation force.

Therefore, in the case where the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b have the same weight, the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are stopped at an arbitrary position without a natural swinging movement. On the other hand, when there is a need to open or close the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b by means of one of their own weights, the weight of one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections may be set to be greater than that the other sliding metal frame retaining section. In this case, due to an imbalance of weight, the sliding metal frame retaining sections can be naturally swung.

Although the first embodiment has been described based on a horizontal installation-type sliding nozzle apparatus in which, during plate replacement, a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are arranged one-above-the-other, the present invention may be applied to a vertical installation-type sliding nozzle apparatus in which, during plate replacement, a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are arranged right and left.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment is one example where a link bar comprising a third link member is used as the link means.

In the second embodiment, for example, in a situation where the link bar 10 in the first embodiment cannot be attached due to the presence of a protruding object on a lateral face of the fixed metal frame 2, the third link member is used to avoid the protruding object.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, an intermediate rotary member 11 serving as the third link member is rotatably provided on a central region of a lateral face of the fixed metal frame 2 on the side of one of the opposed short edges thereof, and respective one ends of a first link bar 11 a and a second link bar 11 b are pivotally coupled to the intermediate rotary member 11, independently. The other end of the first link bar 11 a is pivotally coupled to a first link member 7 a, and the other end of the second link bar 11 b is pivotally coupled to a second link member 7 b. Here, the first link bar 11 a has a turnbuckle 11 c in the middle thereof. The turnbuckle 11 c can be used to adjust the length of the first link bar 11 a and thus the length of link means coupling the first link member 7 a (pin 71 a) and the second link member 7 b (pin 71 b).

FIG. 6 shows a state in which a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b are fully opened. When closing the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b from the fully opened state, the first link member 7 a and the intermediate rotary member 11 are rotated in a counterclockwise direction. On the other hand, the second link member 7 b is rotated in a clockwise direction. Thus, when the sliding metal frame retaining section 4 a is closed, the sliding metal frame retaining section 4 b can be closed interlockingly and simultaneously. Similarly, when opening the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b, the first link member 7 a and the second link member 7 b are rotated, respectively, in opposite directions, so that it is possible to simultaneously open the sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b in an interlocking manner.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 7, as with the first embodiment, a disc-shaped first link member 7 a and a disc-shaped second link member 7 b are attached, respectively, to a pair of shafts 5 a, 5 b, and each of a pair of pins 71 a, 71 b is provided on a respective one of the first and second link members 7 a, 7 b to protrude outwardly, at a position eccentric with respect to a central axis of the corresponding shaft, to serve as a coupling portion. Then, one ends of a first link bar 13 a and a second link bar 13 b are pivotally attached, respectively, to the pin 71 a and the pin 71 b.

Further, a first gear 12 a and a second gear 12 b are rotatably supported on a lateral face of the fixed metal frame on the side of one of the opposed short edges thereof, such that they are meshed with each other. The first and second gears 12 a, 12 b are provided, respectively, with pins 121 a, 121 b at eccentric positions. The other ends of the first and second link bars 13 a, 13 b are pivotally coupled, respectively, to the pins 121 a, 121 b.

As above, the first gear 12 a and the second gear 12 b are meshed with each other, and thereby the pair of shafts 5 a, 5 b are rotated, respectively, in opposite directions, so that it becomes possible to simultaneously open and close a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections 4 a, 4 b in an interlocking manner.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1: sliding nozzle apparatus -   2: fixed metal frame -   3: sliding metal frame -   4 a, 4 b: sliding metal frame retaining section -   41 a, 41 b: portal arm -   5 a, 5 b: shaft -   6: shaft retaining portion -   61: screw -   7 a: first link member -   71 a: pin -   7 b: second link member -   71 b: pin -   10: link bar -   10 a: elongate hole -   10 b: screw -   10 b-1: distal end of screw -   11: intermediate rotary member -   11 a: first link bar -   11 b: second link bar -   11 c: turnbuckle -   12 a: first gear -   121 a: pin -   12 b: second gear -   121 b: pin -   13 a: first link bar -   13 b: second link bar 

1. A sliding nozzle apparatus comprising a pair of sliding metal frame retaining sections provided on respective sides of opposed long edges of a fixed metal frame in an openable and closable manner, wherein the sliding nozzle apparatus further comprises: a pair of shafts each integrated with a respective one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections and each rotatably supported on a corresponding one of the sides of the opposed long edges of the fixed metal frame; a first link member and a second link member provided, respectively, at one ends of the shafts of the sliding metal frame retaining sections; and link means coupling the first and second link members together, such that, when one of the sliding metal frame retaining sections is manually opened or closed, the shaft of the other sliding metal frame retaining section is reversely rotated to cause the other sliding metal frame retaining section to be simultaneously opened or closed.
 2. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second link members has a coupling portion at a position eccentric with respect to a central axis of the shaft thereof, wherein the link means comprises a link bar whose opposite ends are pivotally coupled, respectively, to the coupling portions of the first and second link members, such that the link bar intersects with a line connecting the central axes of the shafts.
 3. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, in a state in which the sliding metal frame retaining sections are fully closed, the first link member and the second link member are, in vertical cross-section, at point-symmetric positions with respect to a center defined by a midpoint of the line connecting the central axes of the shafts, and wherein the link bar is formed as a single piece to directly couple the coupling portions together.
 4. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the link bar is composed of a first link bar and a second link bar whose one ends are coupled, respectively, to the first link member and the second link member, and wherein the link means further comprises a first gear and a second gear provided on the fixed metal frame and meshed with each other, wherein the other ends of the first and second link bars are pivotally attached, respectively, to the first and second gears in an eccentric manner.
 5. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which is configured such that a coupling position between the first or second link member and the link bar is adjustable.
 6. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which is configured such that a length of the link means to couple the first and second link members together is adjustable.
 7. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is used under a condition that, during plate replacement, the sliding metal frame retaining sections are arranged one-above-the other.
 8. The sliding nozzle apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sliding metal frame retaining sections have different weights. 